Skrtel, who is out of contract in a year’s time, is stalling over the terms of a new deal offered towards the end of last season while the 34-year-old Toure, whose new 12-month extension takes him to next summer, is not a long-term option.

Liverpool also have Tiago Ilori, a 22-year-old signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2013 but who has yet to make a first-team appearance and has spent loan spells at Granada and Bordeaux.

Gomez, whose breakthrough season in the Championship last term saw him make 24 appearances, is viewed as a long-term prospect and, like Ilori, would more than likely be loaned out for more experience.